Breaking News

Dirk: 'You don't die from working hard'

QPR First Team Coach Dirk Heesen was happy with the R’s work ethic and hard work in yesterday's two behind-closed-doors pre-season training matches in Holland.

Rangers locked horns with Heesen’s former club FC Oss and RKC Waalwijk in Mill, with two 70 minute matches increasing the R’s players workload in week three of pre-season.

“They were two good games, two intense games and we got what we wanted out of them,” he told www.qpr.co.uk.

“Dutch teams like to play out from the back, which is what we want to do too, so there was a pressing game, which is good for the legs during pre-season.

“We pressed well as a team in the second game especially.

“We made some mistakes in the first game, but the second game was a little bit better and that was positive.”

Each player got 70 minutes under their belt against the Dutch duo and Heesen believes the two games will stand Rangers in good stead ahead of fixtures against PSV Eindhoven and FC Groningen over the coming days.

“It's all about minutes at this time of the year. It's hard work for them, but we're happy with the progress they are making," he said.

“You want a competitive edge, and the games had that.

“We need to keep working harder, both in training and in matches, and then the levels will improve.

“But we are making progress - 15-20 minutes more game time yesterday, and more in the tank later this week.”

Heesen is expecting the R’s fitness levels to be far superior than last season and insists: ‘You won’t die from hard work!’

“Our game will be all about fitness,” he said.

“That's what we are demanding from the players.

“If you press, if you play the counter-attack, you have to be very fit.

“It is hard work - but no-one is going to die from working hard.”

He added: “Hard work is the most important thing, but seeing the players enjoying what they are doing, with a smile on their face, is also important.

“The rewards will come the players’ way if they continue to work as hard as they are and enjoy what they are doing like they are.”